**Chapter 691: Miss Shimizu, Suspected of Being Kidnapped**
The black sedan glided smoothly along the road leading away from the station. The scenery outside the window gradually transformed from the expansive countryside into the bustling streets of the metropolis. Kazumi sat quietly by the window, beside her was the same blond young man who had chattered incessantly since before.
“Hey Kazumi, do you want to have one of these?” Satō Shin’ichi pulled out a package of individually wrapped cookies from his seemingly endless oversized backpack and presented it to the girl as if it were a treasure.
“Hmm.” She raised her head to glance at her clueless boyfriend who handed her another cookie, and with a faint nod, she reached out to take it. Then she helplessly looked at the small table in front of her, which was already piled high with various snacks and drinks.
She couldn’t understand where he got so many treats. Ever since they boarded the car, he hadn’t stopped feeding her, as if this had become a fixed routine for their trips. Moreover…
To be honest, the last trip to Meiko County could somewhat be justified as a tourist outing. But this time, weren’t they supposed to be escaping to Mikoshi City? It was meant to avoid the potential dangers that might arise in Kyoto! Why was he still acting like an excited schoolboy on a field trip?!
With this thought in mind, Kazumi instinctively lifted her hand to wipe away the non-existent sweat from her forehead and turned to Satō Shin’ichi, who was busy rummaging through more snacks. She decided to inquire about their specific plans to better prepare herself mentally.
“Shin’ichi,” she called softly, interrupting his “battle” with the snacks, “what are the plans for us once we arrive in Mikoshi City?”
Hearing Kazumi’s question, Satō Shin’ichi hurriedly swallowed the bread he was chewing on, almost choking. After gulping down a large mouthful of water, he turned to face her with brightened eyes.
“Um… Kazumi,” he said, scratching his head a bit sheepishly. “Sorry, but there might not be any special plans for fun this time. The old man specifically reminded me that we’re mainly here because he’s worried that any trouble in Kyoto might impact my training routine. So during the day, I’ll probably have to be at the places my master arranges for training and won’t be able to stay with you all the time.”
After saying this, his tone clearly showed his regret; it seemed he felt it was wrong to neglect his girlfriend. He quickly added, “Of course! If you’re bored or want to go somewhere, I can ask my master for a day off. That should be fine!”
However, following this, Satō Shin’ichi’s voice immediately dropped, and his head slightly lowered as he unconsciously clenched his fingers, seemingly feeling guilty for not being able to carve out sufficient time to spend with her.
“Yeah,” Kazumi lightly nodded in agreement, accepting his plans. She also seemed to keenly sense the trace of disappointment in his words, and her icy demeanor softened just a bit, bringing a faint yet soothing smile to her face. Continuing, her voice became markedly gentler: “It’s fine. Training and studying are what matter most. Plus, we both know that our trip to Mikoshi City shouldn’t be considered a vacation; we have serious matters to attend to.”
She paused, picked up one of the cookies he had just handed her, gently tore open the packaging, took a small bite, and continued, sounding quite reasonable, “You know I’m not really one to enjoy wandering around for fun. I’d rather stay quietly at our place, read a book, and handle some of my own business. You really don’t need to take time off just for me; your training and progress are the most important. It’s really no problem at all.”
Her words were thoughtful and considerate, completely taking him into account, earning her a perfect score in her heart for her performance. This version of Kazumi couldn’t help but act a bit coy: How could anyone not want her, Kazumi?!
Satō Shin’ichi was instantly moved; his dog-like eyes sparkled with gratitude and affection as he looked at Kazumi. She even thought that if they weren’t in a moving car right now, with limited space and a driver in the front seat, the emotionally expressive young man would have probably lunged over for a big hug.
Watching Satō Shin’ichi’s face, which was filled with joy as if he were happy to help out after being sold out, Kazumi felt a wave of satisfaction wash over her, deepening the barely noticeable smile on her lips.
For Kazumi, the fact that Satō Shin’ichi needed to train was precisely what she wanted—or rather, what she fully desired! Although she had her own personal room during her stay at the Isshindo training center, ensuring a certain degree of privacy, in her mind, she had been calculating how to provide suitable excuses once they arrived in Mikoshi City, to occasionally step out without raising any suspicions from Satō Shin’ichi.
Now it seemed that fate had conveniently provided her with opportunities! With Satō Shin’ichi needing to train during the day, she could truly have the perfect freedom to operate. Moreover, this reason was entirely legitimate, and she didn’t have to weave any elaborate lies.
This way, she would be able to create the perfect illusion: “During the day, my boyfriend’s off training while I quietly stay at home to rest, read, and study.” In reality, she could utilize that time to coordinate with her organization, directly participating in the mission in Kyoto. As long as she was meticulous and timed things well, this was a flawless cover!
[It’s rare for things to go this smoothly. Looks like he has his dependable moments!]
With this thought, Kazumi felt a secret thrill, and even the silly blond boy beside her appeared much more agreeable.
At that moment, the car slowed down and came to a stop roadside.
Kazumi casually peeked out, ready to take in the buildings and street scenes when her movements halted slightly, her pupils unconsciously narrowing.
The scene before her… was completely unfamiliar.
It wasn’t the traditional, ancient gate of the Isshindo training hall she had expected; instead, what emerged before her eyes was a series of remarkably modern high-rise apartments. The glass facade reflected a cold light under the sunlight. The entrance downstairs was designed simply and discreetly, exuding an air of privacy and luxury.
“This place……. where are we?”
